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THE MORO-MORO ARNIS In
1565, Miguel Lopez de Legaspi noted that the Filipinos were a class by themselves in the art of stickfighting and blade or swordfighting. This martial art was known as ARNIS. Arnis was then the favorite
sport of the royalties that everytime a demonstration or competition was held, people usually came by the hand fulls to watch. It's popularity grew up until Spanish times. When the Spanish gained substantial
control of the Philippines, the pracitce of Arnis was discouraged. The Spanish, fearful for their lives, imposed a total ban in the practice of the art. And so the Filipinos abandoned the practice of Arnis
up until the 19th century. During this time, Arnis surfaced among the natives. This sudden interest was due to the introduction of MORO-MORO plays and dances. It is believed that Moro-Moro was invented
primarily as an excuse, more or less a cover, for Filipinos to practice and train the art of Arnis.
MORO MORO PLAYS AND DANCES
It was not until the 19th century that Arnis began to surface again into popularity among the natives. The rapid growth was attributed to
the introduction of the Moro Moro plays and dances which became popular among the Filipinos and gave them the opportunity to circumvent the rulr which prohibited the display and carrying of bladed weapons.
It was believed that the Moro-Moro plays and dances were invented to primarily give the Filipinos excuse or cover to resume the practice and training of Arnis. As a result, the people concentrated in
mastering the art with the use of a piece of hardwood called "bahi" or "kamagong" or with the use of rattan or cane known as "oway". Through some kind of subterfuge behind the
disguise of performing stage plays and dances or dance movements, the Filipinos were able tp practice and continue their arnis training with the use of bladed weapons known as "kali".
"Kali" is a type of broad sword still popular among the Filipinos particularly those in the southern part of the country including the Muslim provinces. |
